Overview
Developed by TiGames and published by Bilibili Game, F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch is a video game released on September 7, 2021. The platforms listed in this entry are PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC. The associated genres are action, adventure, fantasy, RPG, platforming, simulation and indie. The specified game mode is Single player and the engine listed is Unreal Engine 4.
The game adopts a Metroidvania-style platforming and exploration structure in which Torch City is organized as a vast set of interconnected areas. Progression is built around exploring districts with distinct identities, connected by rooms, tunnels, secret passages and shortcuts.
The map gradually fills in as Rayton explores. Some hidden areas contain platforming or combat challenges as well as upgrades and items to collect, encouraging players to return to locations they have already visited.
Movement and access to certain areas also evolve with the equipment obtained. Mechanical weapons are not used only during combat: some of their functions allow direct interaction with the environment or open new paths.
Rayton primarily uses three mechanical weapons: the Fist, Drill and Whip. The player can switch between them to adapt attacks to the situation.
The Fist is the most versatile weapon and offers relatively accessible combo chains. It is suited to close-range combat and can also be used to break certain mechanical obstacles.
The Drill is slower but deals more damage. It also has several exploration-related functions: it can notably transform into a propeller, interact with certain mechanisms, use air currents to reach higher areas or act as a propeller underwater.
The Whip, by contrast, favors speed and reach. Its design complements the other two weapons by allowing Rayton to strike enemies from farther away while maintaining a fast attack rhythm.
Each weapon has its own combos and skills. The system also allows moves from the different weapons to be chained together in order to build longer sequences and adapt attacks to the characteristics of the enemies encountered.
Terminals located throughout Torch City allow Rayton to learn new mechanical skills. Advanced techniques notably require data disks, directly linking exploration to the expansion of combat options.
SP Skills are more powerful techniques that can be integrated into combos. Using them consumes SP, which can be recovered by chaining attacks against opponents.
Rayton can also obtain a parry ability. When used at the right moment against certain melee attacks, it can leave the opponent exposed, while some projectiles can be reflected back toward their source.
Enemies use different weapons and behaviors, ranging from standard soldiers to more powerful units and bosses. Switching weapons and mastering combos therefore allows the player to respond to varied enemy profiles rather than relying on a single method of attack.
Torch City contains more than a dozen distinct areas, each with its own environments and level structures. Their design combines combat, puzzles and platforming sequences within a continuously loaded space intended to reduce interruptions between districts.
The art direction combines a dieselpunk aesthetic with elements of Eastern architecture and references to interwar industrial technology. Gameplay remains built around side-scrolling movement, while the characters and environments use a three-dimensional presentation.
F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch therefore structures its progression around the same set of mechanics used for both combat and exploration. Acquiring new weapons, skills and mechanical functions gradually expands Rayton’s possibilities across the different areas of Torch City.
Key takeaways
- F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch uses a Metroidvania structure made up of interconnected areas, secret passages and shortcuts.
- Rayton uses three main weapons: the Fist, Drill and Whip.
- The Fist favors versatility, the Drill high damage, and the Whip speed and reach.
- All three weapons have their own combos and skills and can be used successively during combat.
- Some weapon functions are also used for exploration and opening new paths.
- Terminals allow Rayton to learn new skills, while SP Skills can be integrated into combos.
- Torch City combines a dieselpunk aesthetic, elements of Eastern architecture and 3D presentation with side-scrolling gameplay.
Conclusion
F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch structures its exploration around an interconnected Torch City in which Rayton’s new abilities gradually provide access to more paths, secrets and areas.
The combat system is built around three weapons with distinct characteristics. The Fist, Drill and Whip cover different attack ranges and levels of power, while their combos can be combined to adapt encounters to the enemies faced.
These weapons also contribute to movement and exploration, particularly when certain mechanical functions are used to open doors, overcome obstacles or reach previously inaccessible areas.
The game therefore combines platforming, Metroidvania exploration and combo-based combat in a dieselpunk environment where progression directly depends on the development of Rayton’s arsenal and skills.
Good to know
- F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch was released on September 7, 2021.
- The game was developed by TiGames and published by Bilibili Game.
- The platforms listed in this entry are PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC.
- The associated genres are action, adventure, fantasy, RPG, platforming, simulation and indie.
- The specified game mode is Single player.
- The engine listed in this entry is Unreal Engine 4.
- The combat system primarily revolves around the Fist, Drill and Whip, each with its own characteristics and combos.
- Torch City is organized as a set of interconnected areas combining combat, platforming, puzzles, secret passages and shortcuts.
